Peck Academy Student Success Story

Jennifer Russ

Instructional Design Bootcamp (Now the ID Professional Certification Program)

Learning Business Partner at Suburban Propane

Jennifer transitioned from six years of teaching into a corporate role as a Learning Business Partner at Suburban Propane, where her portfolio helped her stand out and land the position.

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A headshot of Jennifer Russ

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From Classroom Stress to Corporate Success

For six years, Jennifer poured her energy into teaching, creating lessons, and supporting students in the classroom. But the overwhelm from the role eventually reached a breaking point. “The stress and the anxiety of teaching finally got to me, and I knew that I needed to put myself first,” Jennifer shared.

She loved designing engaging learning experiences, and she wanted to grow in a new context where her creativity and skills could have a broader impact. That’s when she discovered instructional design and joined the ID Bootcamp (now the ID Professional Certification program). The structured guidance, real-world projects, and supportive community gave her the clarity and confidence to take the leap.

“I felt anxious about whether I could really make the leap into a new field, but the program gave me the tools, the support, and the confidence to move into a career I truly love”.

After months of learning, iterating, and putting herself out there, Jennifer landed her first corporate role—stepping into a fast-paced environment where she could design solutions that truly mattered.

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Designing Safe Patient Care for Nurses

Jennifer’s flagship project was inspired by a real-world challenge: how to better prepare new nurses to assess and manage patients at risk of falls.

She collaborated with a registered nurse as her subject matter expert, ensuring that the learning experience reflected authentic scenarios and accurate procedures.

Through this collaboration, Jennifer translated complex, technical healthcare information into clear, actionable decisions for learners.

Her design combined scenario-based practice with immediate feedback, helping nurses build the confidence to respond effectively in critical moments.

The project not only demonstrated her ability to apply learning theory to high-stakes environments, but also showcased her unique strength in making specialized information digestible and engaging for learners.

“Working with a real SME taught me how to synthesize technical information into meaningful practice for learners—it was the moment I started thinking like an instructional designer.”

From Portfolio to Offer Letter

Homepage of Jennifer Russ’s instructional design portfolio showcasing her flagship project and professional branding

Jennifer’s transition wasn’t instant—it took months of applications, countless interviews, and even more rejections before things clicked. But her persistence paid off.

With a polished portfolio that showcased her healthcare project and other work, she began to stand out.

That effort led her to Suburban Propane, where she accepted a six-month full-time contract as a Learning Business Partner.

Her new role allows her to collaborate closely with leadership to expand the training function and introduce innovative learning solutions.

The director even shared that the company is likely to convert the position into a permanent role as the team grows.

Reflecting on her journey, Jennifer credits the bootcamp for more than just technical skills.

It gave her the confidence to embrace change, the feedback to refine her craft, and a community that supported her every step of the way.

In Their Own Words

"Before I joined the program, I was at a major crossroads in my career. As a former educator, I loved creating engaging lessons, connecting with learners, and finding creative ways to make information meaningful. But I also knew I was ready to leave the classroom.

I wanted a career that still let me design and develop learning experiences, but in a context where I could grow professionally and make an impact beyond traditional education. The idea of starting over was overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure I could really make the leap.

That’s when I discovered Devlin’s program. I had been researching instructional design on my own, but I realized I needed more than theory — I needed structure, real-world projects, and expert guidance.

From day one, the coursework showed me what instructional designers actually do and gave me a clear roadmap for the skills I’d need to succeed. The projects mirrored the kind of deliverables I now create in my role, which made the transition feel real and achievable.

One of the most transformative aspects was the feedback I received from Devlin’s team. Their detailed insights pushed me to refine my work and helped me start thinking like a true instructional designer.

Just as important was the community I found in the program. Making a career change can feel isolating, but I was surrounded by people on the same journey. We shared wins, struggles, and encouragement, and those connections continue to support me today.

Looking back, the program wasn’t just a learning experience, it was a turning point. It gave me the tools, the feedback, and the confidence to pursue a new career.

Today, I’m working as a Learning Business Partner, applying the very skills I built in the bootcamp. More than anything, the program showed me that it’s possible to align my passions and strengths with meaningful, rewarding work."

A headshot of Jennifer Russ

Jennifer Russ

Learning Business Partner at Suburban Propane

Instructional Design Bootcamp (Now the ID Professional Certification Program)

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Graduates don’t just learn—they launch careers with confidence and credibility.

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